Reps. Clemente, Gay-Dagnogo, Garrett, Sowerby, Ellison, Sneller, Allor, Canfield, Cochran, Crawford, Elder, Faris, Howrylak, Lasinski, Liberati, Maturen, Phelps, Rendon, Sabo and Wittenberg offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 262.

A resolution to declare March 6, 2018, as Lymphedema Awareness Day in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Lymphedema is a condition that occurs when the natural lymphatic drainage system of the body is damaged, blocked, or does not develop properly, rendering the lymphatic fluid within a certain area such as the arm, leg, torso, head, or neck unable to drain properly, resulting in extreme swelling that impairs mobility and function. This condition can cause pain and significantly impair the quality of life of the affected individual; and

            Whereas, The total number of individuals living with or at risk for lymphedema is difficult to establish because lymphedema is underreported and often misdiagnosed; and

            Whereas, The underdiagnosis and subsequent lack of treatment for lymphedema patients costs healthcare providers and healthcare insurers, including the Medicare program, millions of dollars each year because if lymphedema is left untreated the potential for infection is greatly increased, requiring immediate emergency treatment; and

            Whereas, Primary lymphedema is a heritable condition that may present itself at any point in life, and secondary lymphedema may develop following cancer treatment or other burns and injuries, including those sustained by combat veterans. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 150,000,000 individuals worldwide have secondary lymphedema; and 120,000,000 individuals worldwide are infected with lymphatic filariasis, which leads to lymphedema; and

            Whereas, Stanford University estimates that as many as 10,000,000 individuals in the United States are affected by lymphedema. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that a high percentage of elderly cancer survivors will develop lymphedema. The National Cancer Institute predicts that, not later than 2020, the number of senior cancer survivors will increase by 42 percent and as many as 3,000,000 Medicare beneficiaries that are cancer survivors will require treatment for lymphedema. Lymphedema affects an estimated 15 percent of all cancer survivors and 40 percent of all breast cancer patients; and

            Whereas, In recognition of the financial, physical, and psychological impact that lymphedema has on each individual afflicted with the condition, it is imperative that the people of Michigan support each courageous individual living and coping with this debilitating condition; and

            Whereas, Each caregiver, whether a professional or not a professional, of each individual afflicted with lymphedema, also deserves recognition, as well as each advocate and healthcare provider spending their time and resources battling lymphedema; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare March 6, 2018, as Lymphedema Awareness Day in the state of Michigan.